Chapter 13: Alice Pyncheon

Chapter 13, “Alice Pyncheon,” does seem to be a very important chapter in the novel. However, it is hard to know what facts to rely on in the story because Holgrave relies on rumors and insinuations of the story. The accuracy of what exactly happened is suspect. What we can gather from the story, though, is very telling of the Pyncheon family and Holgrave himself. The story of what happens to Alice shows how greedy her father is. Gervayse does not stop Maule from hypnotizing Alice because he thinks of all the money that is in the deal for him. This greediness goes all the way back to Colonel Pyncheon, and describes traits of the Pyncheon family.

Although this is the follow-up after chapter 13, it is also interesting how Holgrave has captured Phoebe with his story. Holgrave’s connection to the Maule’s is unclear, but he seems to have the same powers as Maule. Also similar to Maule, he seems surprised by how much of an effect he can have on people, and does not seem entirely aware of his abilities. However, Holgrave seems to be purer than Maule, he does not follow through with his power. This is extremely important, because he seems to be breaking family traits, if he is connected to the Maules.

This chapter is extremely dark and focuses on the supernatural. Maule’s hold over Alice is almost paranormal, and her hypnotic state when she recalls who has the deed, is also supernatural and gothic in nature. This chapter, after having many chapters that do not seem as eerie and suspenseful, brings the novel back to its gothic roots.

Chapter 13 is very important. Not only does it heighten the sense of suspense and eeriness seen in gothic writing, it gives further insight into the Pyncheon family and their greediness, and further connects Holgrave to the Maule family.